At Normec Verifavia, our work spans aviation, shipping, and carbon markets - but few people see the vital role independent verification plays behind the scenes of environmental compliance and sustainability reporting. Today we share the insights of Patricia Pinilla, our Business Unit Director for Sustainability Initiatives, whose expertise contributes to credible climate action in these sectors.
Patricia's path to the maritime industry began with a strong commitment to environmental progress. Trained as an environmental engineer in Panama and with a master's degree in environmental management from France, she first applied her skills in quality control for the food industry and airline catering - experiences that gave her a strong grounding in complex operational systems and global supply chains.
This diverse base has proved essential since she joined Normec Verifavia in 2022, where she began working in the company's aviation division. Her responsibilities include verifying airport applications for accreditation under the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program, as well as participating in the verification of carbon footprint inventories in accordance with ISO 14064-3 and the GHG protocol for airport operators. This work includes detailed data analysis and review of supporting documentation needed to calculate GHG emissions.
Within a year of joining the company, Patricia began building and leading a new business unit focused on voluntary carbon market verification services for all modes of transportation. Patricia now heads a growing team and works with a wide range of stakeholders, from ocean carriers to fuel suppliers and freight forwarders, to verify how carbon credits are generated and transferred within complex global supply chains.
Patricia explains: "What we do goes far beyond compliance. Verification ensures data integrity, which is critical to shaping real policy, financing and progress. Without verification, carbon reporting would have no basis."
Patricia and her team work with clients using low-carbon solutions, such as marine biofuels, and help ensure that the sale of associated carbon credits is transparent, credible and in compliance with international frameworks.
Supporting the maritime energy transition
Although relatively new to the maritime sector, Patricia brings a fresh perspective to Normec Verifavia in its efforts to support the decarbonization of the industry through independent verification. Her team is actively working with emerging registries that focus specifically on maritime carbon accounting, supporting verification schemes that help shipping companies and their customers demonstrate meaningful emissions reductions.
Although the maritime sector entered regulated carbon markets later than other sectors, Patricia sees encouraging momentum.
"We are starting to see new regulations, clearer guidelines and more customer interest. The transition will not happen immediately, but there is real movement," she says.
Normec Verifavia's unique strength lies in its independence and responsiveness. Unlike larger verification institutions, Patricia says her team is often praised for its flexibility, attention to detail and ability to guide clients through changing regulations and maritime-specific frameworks, such as Fuel EU Maritime, EU ETS and others.
"Clients often tell us: you respond quickly, you know the requirements and you care. That's what sets us apart," she says.
Building a diverse team at Normec Verifavia
One of Patricia's proudest accomplishments at Normec Verifavia has been building a diverse and dedicated team. Patricia has created a culture of growth and trust, key factors in retaining staff and expanding capabilities.
"I am proud that my team has stayed," she explains, "That may sound simple, but in today's job market that is an accomplishment. It means they feel challenged, supported and committed to the mission."
Diversity and inclusion are also important to Patricia, especially in the maritime world, where women are still underrepresented. As a woman from Panama, home to one of the world's major maritime hubs, she has personally seen how women can thrive in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
"Don't feel intimidated. At first you may not know everything, but if you stay curious and dedicated, you will learn," she assures.
Verification should be seen as a catalyst for climate responsibility
Patricia is clear about the challenges ahead, with tight regulatory timelines, the lack of clarity in voluntary frameworks and the need for better corporate awareness. For her, third-party and expert verification is not just a checkbox for compliance, but a necessary building block for trust and climate responsibility.
"Ultimately, verified data helps decision makers see where progress is being made and where not - it's the bridge between engagement and credibility."